Call it a goalie swap – but the Royals are hoping it’s more of a step forward than a lateral move.
The Victoria Royals acquired 19-year-old goaltender Ethan Eskit and a seventh-round pick in the 2029 WHL Prospects Draft from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for fellow netminder Jayden Kraus.
Both goalies posted nearly identical numbers in 2024-25, but Victoria is banking on Eskit’s athleticism and upside to take the reins.
“Ethan is a guy we’ve had our eye on for a while and he will be a key addition to our team this season,” said Royals general manager Jake Heisinger. “He is an athletic goalie with great compete and work ethic. We welcome him and his family to Victoria”.
Eskit, from Calgary, appeared in 50 games over the past two seasons with the Wheat Kings. This past season, he ranked eighth among WHL goalies with a 2.85 GAA and .906 save percentage.
Kraus, who hails from Prince Albert, suited up in 72 games for the Royals over two years. In 2024-25, he finished ninth in the league with a 2.86 GAA and .908 save percentage.
Eskit and Kraus bring different styles – and builds – to the crease. Eskit stands 5'10" and weighs 185 pounds, while Kraus checks in at 6'2", 207.
Kraus returns to the Prairies to join Brandon, while Eskit arrives in Victoria with a clear path to the starter’s role following the departure of Johnny Hicks, who is heading to the University of Denver.
Eskit had shared duties in Brandon with Flyers prospect Carson Bjarnason, who will join the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season. With Kraus and Hicks both gone, Eskit will have every opportunity to grab the No. 1 job in Victoria.
In terms of the backup position, 17-year-old Cole Prelusky – a 2023 third-round pick in the WHL Prospects Draft – could find himself in that role behind Eskit.
